RUTITIS, Helena    -  Helena passed away peacefully, at Kristus Darzs Latvian Home, Woodbridge, on May 10, 2022, at the age of 101, with her family at her side.

Beloved wife of the late Ermans Rutitis (2000).

Loving mother to Raymond Rutitis and his wife Margaret Corner and Sylvia and her husband Michael Yeates.

Predeceased by her parents Konstantin Stepanovs and Eleonora Zadde.

Loving grandmother to Richard Rutitis, Robert Rutitis (Kelly), Meghan Rutitis and great-grandmother to Chloe Rutitis. Helena was born September 1, 1920 in St. Petersburg, Russia and spent her childhood in Riga, Latvia.

She came to Canada shortly after WWII ended and settled in Toronto. She became a teacher and taught primary school at Blythwood and Frankland Public Schools for many years.

Helena loved to spend her summer vacations travelling. When she wasn't travelling she was working in her garden, reading a good book, sewing herself a new dress without a pattern, going for her daily walk, drinking a good cup of coffee, baking a cake, talking up a storm, relaxing at the cottage or decorating with Mactac.

Helena took great pleasure in telling stories about her life in Latvia, the war years spent in Germany and her life as a new immigrant to Canada. Helena will be missed by her family and friends.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers who looked after Helena in her final years, especially the staff at the Claremont Retirement Residence and Kristus Darzs Latvian Home.

A private family service and burial has been held.